Jesus' words came with mighty deeds. The Gospels tell of many miracles, which John calls “signs.” A sign points beyond itself: Jesus' miracles show that God's Kingdom has arrived and that Jesus is who He says He is.
The miracles fall into four groups:
- Healings: the blind see, the deaf hear, lepers are made clean and the paralyzed walk.
- Power over nature: calming the storm, walking on water and feeding five thousand people.
- Freeing people from evil spirits.
- Raising the dead: Jairus' daughter, the widow's son at Nain, and Lazarus.
When a storm nearly sank the disciples' boat, Jesus stood up and said, “Peace! Be still!” and the sea grew calm. The disciples asked, “Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey him?” The miracles lead to the most important question of all: Who is Jesus?
Jesus often asked for faith, and He sometimes said, “Your faith has made you well.” His miracles were never shows to impress people; He refused to do signs for those who only wanted entertainment. He healed out of compassion, to bring people to believe.
The feeding of the five thousand began with one boy's five loaves and two fish. Jesus gave thanks, broke the bread and gave it to His disciples to share, and twelve baskets were left over. Soon afterward He taught, “I am the bread of life.” The miracle pointed ahead to the Eucharist.
Jesus did not heal every sick person in the world. His miracles were signs of a greater victory, over sin and death. Before raising Lazarus, He said, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Today He still heals, especially through the sacraments, and one day He will wipe away every tear.